Scarce Chaser (2nd record for The Lodge, photo by Nigel Willits), and Hairy Dragonfly (from a few years ago by Katie Fuller).The Lodge dragon and damsel count is currently 11 species, with a Black-tailed Skimmer I saw on the heath today a new addition. The full run-down is as follows:
Hairy Dragonfly
Scarce Chaser
Four-spotted Chaser
Broad-bodied Chaser
Black-tailed Skimmer
Azure Damselfly
Common Blue Damselfly
Large Red Damselfly
Banded Demoiselle
Red-eyed Damselfly
Blue-tailed Damselfly
The Hairy Dragon and Scarce Chaser are both interesting as they are both relatively new to the area, having presumably worked their way down the rivers Great Ouse, and Ivel. The closest known Scarce Chaser colony is around four miles away, so having them occasionally turn up in the middle of the Lodge woodland is rather surprising. Hairy Dragonflies have increased in number around The Lodge in the last few years, with small colonies now around the swimming pool and Jacks pond. They can however, be one of our most elusive of dragonflies to see!
